plate no. 5817
Costumes Parisiens. Manteau De Voyage À Pélerinez
George Barbier, 1913
suitable for beginners
This painting is great for learning about flat color application and creating a balanced composition with a clear focal point. Students can practice simplifying complex shapes into basic forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
1
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on proportions.
- step 02
Outline the main elements with a fine liner.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of flat color, starting with the background.
- step 04
Add the darker values for shadows and details in the clothing and furniture.
- step 05
Paint the details of the face, hands, and birdcage.
- step 06
Refine the outlines and add any final details.
- step 07
Add the thin lines for the floor and window.
- step 08
Add the text at the bottom.
color palette
primary · cobalt blue · ivory · black
secondary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · rose madder
Mix cobalt blue with white for lighter shades of blue. Use burnt sienna and white for the wood tones. Mix rose madder and white for the roses.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·outlining
- ·color blocking
- ·simplified shapes
- ·line work
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes.
- →Using too many colors.
- →Not maintaining clean lines.
- →Inaccurate proportions.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paper
- ·watercolor paints
- ·fine liner brush
- ·round brush
- ·palette
- ·water
optional
- ·ruler
- ·masking tape
- ·color pencils
Use a light box to trace the initial sketch if needed. Consider using gouache for a more opaque finish.
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